Speculations: Jaguar Testing Hybrid Version of New XK

 Speculations: Jaguar Testing Hybrid Version of New XK
Jaguar XK Hybrid? / Copyright by Automedia

A facelift for the Jaguar XK is expected to be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in a couple of weeks before going on full sale in 2009. With such a short time left it is only makes sense that the development is drawing to a conclusion, this has been evident on prototypes spotted over the past few months as more and more camouflage has been removed. But our spies over at CarPix noticed a rather peculiar prototype come out on the Nurburgring circuit which seems to taken a step backwards in the development process.

It sports a different bumper in comparison to previous prototypes spotted and those additional air vents on the hood tell us this particular body panel comes from the high-spec XK-R model. Facts like this are hardly going to lead us to any conclusion other to confirm the model is doing some testing to its powertrain. But what powertrain is it? Our spy photographer has informed us that this prototype failed to belt out its usually roar when going past meaning we are likely looking at one of the first prototypes for a hybrid version of the model.

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 Tuner_Mad Tuner_Mad
HYBRID XK??!! Now I can't tell if this idea is really awesome, or really stupid. =S
September 17, 2008 6:44 pm
 norther norther
really stupid
September 17, 2008 7:20 pm
 AOS AOS
It's about damn time, Jag has more character than other cars in its league, but always lacked in engine technology compare to German wheels. And hey XK is more of an elegant GT, so giving it a hybrid option, what a way to go, I also hope it can be a sports hybrid that lives up to its looks. Good job
September 17, 2008 8:34 pm
 mentir mentir
I'd take this over the current SL or 6-Series any day of the week.
September 17, 2008 9:15 pm
 Xanavi23 Xanavi23
WOOOO ! Go Jaguar...but hybrids are economically unsound, i would prefer they try for electric or maybe even hydrogen.
September 18, 2008 12:13 am
 josh1973 josh1973
Hybrid makes only sense in city traffic. Who the f... drives his XK in the city???
September 18, 2008 5:44 am
 peterjames7 peterjames7
i dont know bankers, lawyers, accountants, they all drive their xk in the city, and these days even those guys are watching the pennies, i nthe uk at least they will be congestion charging exempt. bit of stupid question really josh1973
September 22, 2008 5:12 am